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History

India Canada Association’s inception in Thunder Bay

The organization was started to help the people of East Indian origin who were displaced from Uganda. The Association was named Asia Canada.

The first India Night was held in 1974 in the United Church near Magnus Theater.
In 1975, Asia Canada took part in the annual Folklore Festival organized by the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association.
In 1976, Asia Canada got a new name — India Canada Association (ICA).

In 1984, the City of Thunder Bay allocated property to the multicultural organizations and ICA was assigned a plot at the International Friendship Gardens.

Ashoka Chakra is the symbol of Dharmchakra, and is also known as Samay Chakra in which all the 24 spokes represent 24 hours of the day and symbolize the movement of time. Ashoka Chakra was carved by hand on granite by contractors in India and was shipped over to Thunder Bay. In 1987, a ceremonial function was organized, which was attended by the Counsel General of India from Toronto. After a few years, the Indian High Commissioner from Ottawa visited the monument and the Counsel General also appreciated and provided with description about the Ashoka Chakra, which is now present with the monument. Dr. Inderjit Nirdosh and Mr. K.S. Joseph raised money for the monument. The City of Thunder Bay from time to time instructs the association for improvement of the monument and surrounding areas, which finally resulted in encasing the structure with granite and flat floors. The monument stands proudly at the Thunder Bay Friendship Park.